They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. They went up through the NegevThe phrase "They went up through the Negev" refers to the journey of the Israelite spies as they explored the land of Canaan. The Negev, a semi-arid region in southern Israel, is significant in biblical history as a place of transition and testing. The Hebrew root for Negev (נֶגֶב) implies dryness or parched land, symbolizing the challenges and hardships the Israelites faced. This journey through the Negev can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of faith, where believers must traverse through difficult and barren times, trusting in God's promises. and came to Hebron
The phrase "and came to Hebron" highlights the arrival of the spies at a city of great historical and spiritual significance. Hebron, one of the oldest cities in the world, is deeply rooted in biblical history. It is where Abraham settled and where the patriarchs are buried. The Hebrew name Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן) is derived from a root meaning "association" or "friendship," reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. This visit to Hebron underscores the continuity of God's promises from the patriarchs to the present generation, reminding believers of the faithfulness of God throughout history. where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were living
The mention of "Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were living" introduces the formidable inhabitants of the land. The Anakim were known as giants, and their presence in Hebron was intimidating to the spies. The Hebrew root for Anak (עֲנָק) suggests a necklace or chain, symbolizing strength and stature. This encounter with the Anakim serves as a test of faith for the Israelites, challenging them to trust in God's power over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. For believers today, it is a reminder that no challenge is too great when God is on our side. (Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
The parenthetical note "(Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt)" provides a historical context that emphasizes the antiquity and significance of Hebron. Zoan, known as Tanis in Greek, was an ancient city in Egypt. The comparison highlights Hebron's ancient roots, reinforcing its importance in the biblical narrative. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, suggesting that Hebron's establishment was part of God's perfect plan. This historical detail encourages believers to see God's hand in the unfolding of history, trusting that He is sovereign over time and events. Persons / Places / Events 1. NegevA desert region in southern Israel, representing the initial area the Israelite spies explored. It is often associated with wilderness and testing. 2. HebronAn ancient city in the hill country of Judah, significant for its historical and spiritual heritage. It is where the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived and were buried. 3. Ahiman, Sheshai, and TalmaiThese are the descendants of Anak, known as the Anakim, a race of giants. Their presence in Hebron was intimidating to the Israelite spies. 4. AnakThe forefather of the Anakim, a group of formidable people known for their size and strength, often causing fear among the Israelites. 5. ZoanAn ancient city in Egypt, mentioned to provide a historical context for Hebron's antiquity. Teaching Points Faith Over FearThe presence of giants in Hebron symbolizes the challenges believers face. Like Caleb, we are called to trust in God's promises rather than succumb to fear. Historical SignificanceUnderstanding the historical and spiritual significance of places like Hebron can deepen our appreciation for God's unfolding plan throughout the Bible. Spiritual HeritageHebron's connection to the patriarchs reminds us of our spiritual heritage and the importance of living in a way that honors those who have gone before us in faith. Courage in AdversityThe account encourages believers to exhibit courage and perseverance when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, trusting that God is greater than any obstacle. God's FaithfulnessDespite the intimidating presence of the Anakim, God's faithfulness to His promises is a recurring theme, encouraging us to rely on His strength. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the exploration of the Negev and Hebron teach us about the importance of preparation and reconnaissance in our spiritual journey? 2. How can the presence of the Anakim in Hebron be related to the "giants" or challenges we face in our own lives? 3. In what ways does the historical significance of Hebron enhance our understanding of God's promises and faithfulness? 4. How does Caleb's later inheritance of Hebron inspire us to claim God's promises with faith and courage? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a daunting challenge. How did your faith in God's promises help you overcome it, and how can this passage encourage you in future challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 13:18Connects to Hebron as the place where Abraham settled and built an altar to the Lord, highlighting its spiritual significance. Joshua 14:13-15Describes Caleb's inheritance of Hebron, emphasizing faith and courage in claiming God's promises despite the presence of giants. Deuteronomy 1:28Reflects the Israelites' fear of the Anakim, illustrating the challenge of trusting God in the face of daunting obstacles. People Aaron, Ahiman, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammiel, Amorites, Anak, Asher, Benjamin, Caleb, Canaanites, Dan, Eshcol, Gad, Gaddi, Gaddiel, Gemalli, Geuel, Hittites, Hori, Hoshea, Igal, Israelites, Issachar, Jebusites, Jehoshua, Jephunneh, Joseph, Joshua, Machi, Manasseh, Michael, Moses, Nahbi, Naphtali, Nun, Oshea, Palti, Raphu, Rehob, Reuben, Sethur, Shammua, Shaphat, Sheshai, Simeon, Sodi, Susi, Talmai, Vophsi, Zaccur, ZebulunPlaces Canaan, Egypt, Hebron, Kadesh-barnea, Lebo-hamath, Negeb, Paran, Rehob, Sinai, Valley of Eshcol, Wilderness of Paran, Zin, ZoanTopics Ahiman, Ahi'man, Anak, Ascended, Building, Built, Descendants, Egypt, Hebron, Negeb, Negev, Seven, Sheshai, She'shai, South, Talmai, Zoan, Zo'anDictionary of Bible Themes Numbers 13:20-25 4458 grape Numbers 13:21-23 4440 fig-tree Numbers 13:21-25 4207 land, divine gift Numbers 13:21-27 5704 inheritance, material Library Afraid of Giants
'And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain; 18. And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19. And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20. And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Spies
THE UNBELIEF OF THE CHILDREN of Israel, prompted them to send spies into Canaan. God had told them that it was a good land, and he had promised to drive out their enemies, they ought therefore to have marched forward with all confidence to possess the promised heritage. Instead of this, they send twelve princes to spy out the land, and "alas, for human nature," ten of these were faithless, and only two true to the Lord. Read over the narrative, and mark the ill effect of the lying message, and the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Exploring Canaan by Faith
EXPLORING CANAAN BY FAITH I can not understand faith. What is faith, anyway? I try to believe; sometimes I feel that my faith is strong, but at other times I feel that my faith is giving way. Can you help me in this matter? Faith seems such a hazy, intangible, elusive thing; now I think I have it, now it seems certain I have it not. I feel at times that my faith is so strong I could believe anything, then again I feel that every bit of faith I had is gone. Can you give me any instructions that will …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan Canaan
Canaan was the inheritance which the Israelites won for themselves by the sword. Their ancestors had already settled in it in patriarchal days. Abraham "the Hebrew" from Babylonia had bought in it a burying-place near Hebron; Jacob had purchased a field near Shechem, where he could water his flocks from his own spring. It was the "Promised Land" to which the serfs of the Pharaoh in Goshen looked forward when they should again become free men and find a new home for themselves. Canaan had ever been …
Archibald Sayce—Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations Hebron
From Jericho we proceed to Hebron, far off in situation, but next to it in dignity: yea, there was a time, when it went before Jerusalem itself in name and honour;--namely, while the first foundations of the kingdom of David were laid; and, at that time, Jericho was buried in rubbish, and Jerusalem was trampled upon by the profane feet of the Jebusites. Hebron was placed, as in the mountainous country of Judea, so in a place very rocky, but yet in a very fruitful coast. "There is no place, in all …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica An Unfulfilled Desire
'... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!'--NUM. xxiii. 10. '... Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.'--NUM. xiii. 8. Ponder these two pictures. Take the first scene. A prophet, who knows God and His will, is standing on the mountain top, and as he looks down over the valley beneath him, with its acacia-trees and swift river, there spread the tents of Israel. He sees them, and knows that they are 'a people whom the Lord hath blessed.' Brought there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Epistle xvii. To Felix, Bishop of Messana.
To Felix, Bishop of Messana. To our most reverend brother, the Bishop Felix, Gregory, servant of the servants of God [246] . Our Head, which is Christ, to this end has willed us to be His members, that through His large charity and faithfulness He might make us one body in Himself, to whom it befits us so to cling that, since without Him we can do nothing, through Him we may be enabled to be what we are called. From the citadel of the Head let nothing divide us, lest, if we refuse to be His members, …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6 Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Numbers 13:22 NIVNumbers 13:22 NLTNumbers 13:22 ESVNumbers 13:22 NASBNumbers 13:22 KJV
Numbers 13:22 Commentaries
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